“The Secret Life of Bees” is one of those movies that will make you cry, laugh and appreciate your friends. Set during the Civil Rights Era, the story focuses on Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) whose journey to learn about her dead mother takes her to the home of the Boatwright sisters in South Carolina. Lily forms a maternal bond with each of the sisters as they expose her to comfort, grace and spirituality–luxuries she has never been afforded at home. Queen Latifah as August Boatwright is as warm and compassionate as Matron Mama Morton was money-hungry in “Chicago.” The other actors, including Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo and Tristan Wilds, were also perfectly cast. You will connect to each of the characters and the issues at hand. The DVD release date is February 3, but it’s available for pre-order now. [$19.99, Amazon.com]
